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Nov 13, 2012

12 Insect Macro Photography Tips

Photo Tip #1:
Turn off auto-focus when time and photo object permits and get into the habit of
using manual focus instead. Use the magnifying camera feature to precisely pin
your focus point. Works wonder when the insect remains still but when the bug
is on the move consider final sharp focusing through carefully moving camera
and lens back and forward.

Photo Tip #2:
Get up early and take advantage of insects being often lethargic and moving slowly. This will allow for a calmer photo gear set up without the
insect immediately fleeing the scene. A carefully composed image will result in
more attractive compositions.

Photo Tip #3:Use
a Sturdy Tripod or monopod and head to stabilize camera and lens and minimize camera shake during
photo exposure.

Photo Tip #4:Choose
an appropriate aperture setting to
control and
achieve sufficientDepth of Field. Large f-stop number
(small aperture) provides maximum depth of field while small f-stop number
(large aperture) minimizes depth of field. The photographic goal is to obtain a
razor
sharp bug picture while leaving the background in blur. An out of focus
background solely stirs all attention to the insect and is much desired for
insect macro photographs. Adjust your ISO setting as necessary to compensate
for slower shutter speeds when shooting with small apertures.

Photo Tip #5:
Capture frame filling images and explore different angles and perspectives for
more compelling compositions and close up pictures.

Photo Tip #6:
Take multiple photos to increase your chance for a striking and in focus insect
macro photography image.

Photo Tip #7:
Keep an eye on the background and eliminate glare on leaves or distracting
branches. Isolating the insect against a clean background is crucial for a
successful photography image. Utilize colorful scrubs and flowers to your
compositional advantage as an attractive backdrop of color when appropriately blurred
out via aperture or focal lens setting. Including an Attractive Background
features like a second flower may add a story to the image.

Photo Tip #8:
Get down low and photograph the motif at eye level. At times it will be
uncomfortable and difficult but it will provide more compelling and better photography
results.

Photo Tip #9:
Avoid direct or harsh sunlight. Plan your close up photography shoot on
overcast days since a cloudy sky softens the light and beautifully balances
color and image.

Photo Tip #10:
Start photographing from a distance and then slowly move in closer for your
next shot. Often they remain on the spot or return shortly after.

Photo Tip #11:
Watch the bug’s behavior and habitat. Insects often return to the same spot
over and over again. Keep your setup ready and be patient, it will pay off in
the long run.

Photo Tip #12:
Finding a suitable macro photography subject is probably the most challenging part.
Know what you desire to photograph and study the environment the insect can be
found in. Once you discover a desired insect start watching its behavior. Pick
a local butterfly garden in a nearby wildlife sanctuary or your own garden and choose
a certain area like a bush, leaves, or flowers. Watch carefully and see what
nature provides. Train your eyes to discover the masters of camouflage and
enjoy the hide and seek game most insects will play with you.

4 comments:

Great tips! Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Sometimes is difficult to use a tripod with relatively longer exposures and at the same time having the lucky of not having wind or any other movement during the capture. But as you mentioned it is a matter of patience and luck.

Thanks Fernando! I hear you about the use of a tripod but it really makes the difference when one aims for sharper pictures. Alternatively one can increase ISO setting to increase shutter speed and try to handhold the camera ... not a bad option either. When there is a time concern that doesn't allow for immediately setup I sometimes handhold the camera and take a few pictures and then set up while crossing my fingers to improve on the quality of the image ... glad you enjoyed this macro photography blog post! I wonder what others think? My best, Juergen http://www.facebook.com/pages/Juergen-Roth-Photography/91467613868